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Weekend Movies #8

Sunday, July 19, 2015

1. Spring. My friend, Terrence, brought this film to my attention as the movie boasts to be "a hybrid of Richard Linklater and H. P. Lovecraft." That reason was enough to make me devote around 2 hours of my weekend to watch this flick. The build up of the story was gradual (maybe considered slow for other people), treating us with picturesque scenery (like going through some European travelogue) and intelligent (and sometimes cynical) conversations while the plot marches on. I loved the exchange of breath-taking landscapes and mystical hints all throughout. I won't spoil the movie for you, if you're planning to watch it. Yes, it's definitely got the elements of Linklater's Before series in it and how Lovecraft comes in the picture, you have to see for yourself. Props to the directors for the blending 2 genres just right. Surprisingly good and memorable. (µ)

2. True Romance. Watching this film made me feel like riding a rollercoaster. Exhilirating! Hahaha. Even though it's got a little bit of a cheesy romantic title, it is DEFINITELY anything but that. IT is an action/thriller/suspense/crime fueled-film with a powerhouse cast and kick ass director (also, penned by Tarantino). In-your-face violence, sex, rough language, pop culture references, great cameos (spot Brad Pitt in the movie!), true romance -- everything rolled into one! An absolutely brilliant film that deserve its cult status and a must-watch for every film lover. (µ)

3. Ex Machina. This Alex Garland movie has been on my radar since late last year as it's consistently popping up as one of the must-see films of 2015. Garland, having also directed 28 Days Later and Never Let Me Go (2 of my favorites), I figured this must be great as well. The movie was spell binding, I should say, and thought-provoking and complex. At some point, in the middle of all the mindfuckery, the story pushes you to the edge of your seat with your teeth gritting because you have no clue what's gonna happen next. It's an AI film without the car chases and fight scenes with armies of robots, it's sober and sleek and the naked truth about being human and gets under your skin by the end of the film. (µ)

4. Almost Famous. Now where do I begin with this movie? First, is it weird that my favorite character was William Miller's overbearing mother (Frances McDormand) and not the free-spirited Band Aid, Penny Lane (Kate Hudson)? I've watched this film twice before but never really got to finish it. Last month, I was finally able to see it til the end and my God, this is one of the best films I've ever seen. I want to hug myself (lol) while watching it. Every line and dialogue was gold. Sooooo good. How did I even not finish it the first two times? Almost Famous is about William Miller but not really all about him. Almost Famous is about rock and roll but it's not a rock and roll film. It's a coming-of-age film that progressed to a much more elaborate story of heartbreaks, adventures, the world of rock and roll, honesty, life-changing music, self-discovery and every bit in between. It's all happening! (µ)

5. Stoker. Stoker is one of those films that either you will love or you will hate. You see, you shouldn't always trust IMDB or Rotten Tomatoes when it comes to movie reviews because there will always be those films that everybody seems to agree to disagree. As for me, I loved this film. Not because it was directed by Park Chan-wook or because Mia Wasikowska was in it but because it was fantastic. The camera work was superb, the actors were impressive, I loved the little scenes that showed attention to detail (cinematography was stunning -- shoes, shoes and more shoes, blood-sprayed flowers, breaking of necks (lol), hems of dresses, body reactions, beautiful shot of the food, patterns on vases, the list goes on!) and for the most part that it was a sort of quiet movie with a certain twisted darkness undertone all throughout. It doesn't cater to everyone but I suggest you give it a shot. (µ)

6. Rudderless. For one, I highly recommend you seeing this for the music. The songs alone are enough cause to see Rudderless. William H. Macy's indie directorial debut didn't fail to induce tears and leave a heaviness in my heart. The synopsis of the film may sound like a downer (and yes, there are moments that your eyes will well up), but it's also a story about coping and healing through music. It also gave me a different perspective, how it is on the other side. Billy Crudup was exceptional in his role as well as Anton Yelchin (though the kid's hair bothered me a bit lol). If a friend hadn't told me the gist of the story before hand, I would have been in for a treat because of the out of the ordinary story line. So it's best to watch the film without reading the spoilers. Well done, WHM. (µ)